Luke 24:36-43
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
There is a single phrase in this passage that I think is absolutely central to understanding the life of faith: “While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering….”
Why does this matter so much? Two reasons:
First, even after all that had happened the disciples did not believe. To allow the implications of this to sink in, let’s recount some of the critical elements of the story up to now. First, Jesus predicted his passion and resurrection three times. Second, a group of women are met at the tomb and reminded of Jesus’ predictions and told that he has been raised. Third, two of their company meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Fourth, apparently Jesus has already also appeared to Simon Peter, the leader of the company. Fifth and finally, Jesus now appears right in front them, speaking to them to calm their fears and showing them his hands and feet and the marks left there by the nails.
And yet in spite of all this, they still disbelieve.
Why?
Because resurrection takes time to sink in. We are so used to the limitations of death, the pain and paucity of life in this world, and the absolute certainty that all things must end, that new life – even when its standing right there in front of you! – is hard to take in, accept, and believe. So if you struggle to accept God’s promises, I think you can give yourself a break. You are, at the very least, in excellent company!
But there’s a second reason I think this phrase is so significant. And that’s because even amid their disbelief they still experience joy. Disbelief and doubt do not have to be limiting factors, and they do not preclude joy. Further, joy does not come from certainty or sure knowledge; you can experience it even amid doubt and wonder. Joy, finally, is a gift given by the Lord and at times encounters us even when might think ourselves incapable of it.
Luke uses a plethora of adjectives in a few short sentences to describe the disciples’ reactions to the risen Jesus. They are, by turns, startled, terrified, frightened, disbelieving, wondering, and joyful. I suspect this is a fair description of the Christian life when we embrace and take seriously God’s promises.
So if you are discouraged, or doubting, or grieving, yet you may still experience joy. Joy, finally, is not a prize to be won or accomplishment to be gained or right to be earned. It is a gift, and it comes amid all the other human emotions any and all of us may experience, and whenever it does we can only give thanks and celebrate.
So there you have it – two critical insights about the Christian life: resurrection life takes time to sink in, and joy often surprises us and is neither created by our faith nor limited by our doubt but comes only and always as a gift.
Thanks be to God.
Prayer: Dear God, remind us again and often of the good news of resurrection and new life, that we may in time believe and, believing, share your joy with all those we meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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